Enrollment is open.  2011 dates announced: It's on!

---

This seven day intensive course introduces teens to the basic skills and concepts they will need to safely navigate class I to III- whitewater in a hard-shell kayak. With an emphasis on safety, teamwork and responsible decision making, students will master skills in three progressive arenas -- flat-water, eddies, and downriver--while experiencing the natural beauty of one the country's most diverse watersheds. 

Before embarking downstream  students will master defensive paddling techniques in a low-risk scenario. This includes learning to catch "eddies" (pockets of slack-water or upriver current), ferry (move from bank to bank without drifting downstream),  brace (catch yourself before flipping) and roll (flip back to upright).  During the final two days the entire group will chose a section of river that suits their abilities and put these skills to the test.

Off the water activities will include, but are not in any way limited to, hiking, biking, beach volleyball, frisbee golf, stargazing, campfire cooking and land-based kayak training.

Skills Checklist

Flat-Water:         

1. Roll        
2. T-Rescue            
3. Wet -Exit            
4. Paddle Stroke Forward/Backward
5. Rudder                
6. Sweep Forward/Backward         
7. Brace Low/High                               

Eddies:                

1. Eddy Turns/Peel Outs                   
2. Roll in moving water                      
3. Draw Stroke
4. Avoiding Broaches/Pins                               
5. River Swimming                              
6. Identifying Hazards

Down River:      

1. Reading Water/Boat Scouting                   
2. Portages             
3. Avoiding Hazards
4. Punching Holes/Waves                
5. Surfing Waves               
6. Advanced Moves

Course Description

Day 1:    Arrive in PDX, Drive to Trout Lake Base Camp, Introductions, Team Builders
Day 2:    Equipment Selection, Preliminary Safety Training, Flat-water Paddle, Optional Hike or Bike
Day 3:    Morning Flat-water Paddle, Move to River Camp on Klickitat River, Beach Volleyball, Campfire
Day 4:    Upriver Paddle, Eddy Hopping, Rescue Scenarios, Peer Evaluations, Choose Downriver Mission
Day 5:    Overnight Kayak Campout Trip with Raft Support, Beach Camping.
Day 6:    Arrive Take-out, Return to Trout Lake Base Camp
Day 7:    Farewell Breakfast, Back to PDX

---

Registration Information

• June 19 to June 25
• June 26 to July 2
• July 10 to July 16.... (Special Juniors Division Course -- Ages 10 to 13)
• July 17 to July 23
• July 24 to July 30
• July 31 to August 6 .. (Special Juniors Division Course -- Ages 10 to 13)
• August 7 to August 13
• August 14 to August 20

Tuition Includes: All accommodations; transportation and meals; instruction; video analysis; pre and post course preparation/communication; permits and entry fees; equipment and gear; airport transfers; applicable Washington State sales tax.  

Not Included:  Air transportation to Portland, Oregon; travel insurance; pocket cash for items of a personal nature (souvenirs, hats, shirts, toiletries, etc). 

Start and End Location:  Portland, Oregon, or Trout Lake, Washington, USA

Important Notice:  Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive in Portland, Oregon or Trout Lake, WA for your course. This may require departing your hometown or country one or more days in advance and possibly traveling on an overnight flight.  Please consult our admissions office for air travel recommendations.

---

We look forward to having you join us on this course – an experience of a lifetime!   

Why wait? Reserve your adventure today. Sign up now!

► Enrollment Application

"Training in Class II - III whitewater allows students to learn Class V techniques in a more forgiving environment.  According to Northwest pro-kayaker, Lane Jacobs, pulling 'hard moves on easy rivers' is the fastest way to progress."

 

Outdoor Adventure Activities, Washington Rafting Rivers, Oregon Teen Trips, Teen Whitewater Rafting